Last Updated on 14 June 2023 by Colette
This post features gifted experiences
The picturesque seaside village of Mumbles with its ice cream coloured houses, Victorian Pier and views across Swansea Bay is about a 15 minute drive from the middle of Swansea. Mumbles is apparently named after the French word mamelles, which means “breasts,” – Ben found this out during a visit to the Swansea Waterfront Museum and, as you can imagine, was thoroughly amused! Mumbles marks the beginning of the Gower Peninsula coastline and is a popular area of Swansea.
In the summer, Mumbles is absolutely buzzing, and I’ve been told a challenge for parking, however on a grey day in late October, you’ll easily find parking in one of the car parks across the front. (You can find all the information you need about parking in Mumbles here.)
We visited Mumbles first thing in the morning and, after parking in the Knab Rock car park, we wandered up Mumbles Road and popped our heads into a few shops so the kids could spend their holiday money (Neon Sheep is a favourite!). We also visited the Lovespoon Gallery and learned a little about the history and traditions of Lovespoons. (Apparently the Lovespoon Gallery are the original specialists offering the largest collection of lovespoon designs from Wales’ best lovespoon carvers).
Once we’d explored the main street of Mumbles, we walked back to the Victorian Pier where we stuck a few quid’s worth of 2ps into the machines before heading back long the promenade to have lunch at @verdis_cafe_mumbles.
Verdi’s Café Mumbles is a super popular cafe and ice cream parlour which overlooks the bay and serves delicious Italian food. They don’t take reservations, however with indoor and outdoor seating for up to 400 people, even if there isn’t a table available when you arrive, you shouldn’t’ have to wait too long. Once you’ve found a seat you can either order your food at the counter or via the Verdi’s app. Dave and I both especially enjoyed our desserts (he had a chocolate sundae, mine was a hazelnut basket and easily the best ice cream sundae I’ve had in a long time!)
We only had a morning to visit this time round but I’d love to be able to go back on a warmer, sunnier day and experience the vibrancy of Mumbles during peak season!
What else do you need to know about visting Mumbles?
Parking in Mumbles can be tricky on busy days – get there early to secure a spot!
Parking overnight is allowed in some of Mumbles’ car parks.
If you’re planning a play on the beach – check the tide times first as you might find there isn’t much beach to access!
Mumbles beach is quite stony in places – you’ll want something on your feet if you’re going for a paddle.
You can read more about visiting Mumbles here:
A visit to Mumbles (Our visit in 2015)
Why not check out our suggestions of things to do in and around Swansea with kids next
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